Lao PDR External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Lao PDR's external debt to gni was 123.32% in 2025, ranked 7th globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1984–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's external debt to gni stood at 123.32% in 2025, a rise of +7.92pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 123.32% by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 7th globally.
Lao PDR’s external debt relative to gross national income has risen sharply since the mid‑1980s, climbing from a trough of 26.25 % in 1985 to an all‑time peak of 221.73 % in 1988, before gradually easing to 29.64 % in 1984 and then expanding again to reach 123.32 % in 2025, ranking seventh globally. The 42‑year series shows that the dramatic surge in the late 1980s coincided with structural adjustments and heavy borrowing for infrastructure, while the more recent escalation reflects higher external financing needs amid slower domestic growth and fiscal deficits. Compared with peers of similar rank, Mauritius carries external debt equal to 133.12 % of GNI and Bhutan 113.44 % of GNI, indicating that Lao PDR’s indebtedness is already comparable to other small, export‑oriented economies. If fiscal consolidation and diversification of export markets succeed, the upward trajectory could moderate; however, continued reliance on external borrowing would likely sustain the high debt‑to‑GNI ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 127.21% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 125.27% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 123.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | 123.32% | +7.92pp | #7 |
| 2024 | 115.40% | −7.55pp | #106 |
| 2023 | 122.95% | −6.28pp | #110 |
| 2022 | 129.23% | +23.84pp | #113 |
| 2021 | 105.39% | −9.07pp | #104 |
| 2020 | 114.46% | +6.63pp | #107 |
| 2019 | 107.83% | +15.90pp | #109 |
| 2018 | 91.93% | −1.29pp | #105 |
| 2017 | 93.22% | +4.39pp | #104 |
| 2016 | 88.83% | +5.49pp | #102 |
| 2015 | 83.34% | +9.06pp | #102 |
| 2014 | 74.29% | +3.91pp | #99 |
| 2013 | 70.38% | −4.89pp | #96 |
| 2012 | 75.26% | −8.99pp | #101 |
| 2011 | 84.26% | −10.77pp | #106 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's external debt to gni was 123.32% in 2025. Ranked 7th globally. This represents a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
Lao PDR's external debt to gni peaked at 221.73% in 1988.
The lowest external debt to gni in Lao PDR was 26.25% in 1985.
Lao PDR ranks 7th globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's external debt to gni is projected to reach 123.32% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Lao PDR in 2025 was 123.32%. This ranks 7th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Lao PDR External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}